Without a Xiaomi account, you lose half of the functions of your devices, from syncing contacts to managing a smart home through Mi Home. But the process of registering a new Mi Account often raises questions โ especially for users who are experiencing the brand ecosystem for the first time. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to create an account (via phone, website or app), the nuances of device binding and typical errors that prevent you from completing registration.
It is important to understand that Xiaomi regularly updates its security policy, so the instructions for 2022-2023 may become outdated. We tested all methods in June 2026 and took into account the latest changes, for example, the mandatory binding of a phone number for users from Russia and CIS countries. If you buy a used Redmi smartphone or POCO, without re-registration of the account of the previous owner, the device may be blocked.
Why you need a Mi Account and what registration gives
Many people mistakenly believe that Xiaomi account is only for downloading themes from Mi Themes or backup.
- ๐ Unlock the bootloader (bootloader) for installing custom firmware.
- ๐ฑ Use the Find Device (Look for a Lost Smartphone).
- ๐ Manage Mi Smart Devices Home/Mi Smart Home (Lamps, Robot Vacuums, Sensors).
- ๐พ Synchronize notes, photos and call history between devices.
- ๐ฎ Access exclusive features in games (e.g. Mi Game Center).
Moreover, since 2023, Xiaomi has linked the account with the work of some system applications, for example, without authorization in Mi Cloud on Redmi Note 12 and later, it is impossible to configure Dual applications (cloning messengers) or use the Mode for children.
There is a downside: account binding can make it harder to sell the device. If you do not log out of the Mi Account before resetting, the new owner will face a Mi Cloud Lock activation, which can only be removed through Xiaomi support with proof of ownership.
How to create a Xiaomi account in 2026
There are three ways to officially register Mi Account: through a mobile app, a website, or directly on a Xiaomi device. Each method has its own nuances, for example, registration via a smartphone requires confirmation by SMS, and the web version can request CAPTCHA for suspicious activity.
We will consider all options in detail, taking into account the recent changes in Xiaomiโs policy (in particular, restrictions for users from certain regions).
1. Registration through the official website
This is a good way to do it if you don't already have a Xiaomi device, but you're planning to buy one, and it's also useful for backup accounts.
- Go to the registration page: account.xiaomi.com.
- Choose your country of residence (important for the correct operation of services). For Russia and the CIS, specify Russia.
- Enter a valid email or phone number (with country code).
- Create a password (minimum 8 characters, with capital letters and numbers).
- Confirm registration via SMS or mail.
Indicate the real country of residence|Use a valid email (not temporary)|Enter a phone number with country code (+7 for Russia)|Create a strong password (at least 8 characters)|Save data to restore access-->
โ ๏ธ Note: If you specify a country other than the real one, later you may have problems accessing local services (e.g. Mi Pay or regional themes), and Xiaomi may block your account if you suspect fraud (e.g. if you have a fraud or a fraud). IP-The address does not match the country of registration).
2. Create an account directly on the Xiaomi smartphone
The most convenient way is to register directly on the device during the first setup or through the Settings menu โ Accounts โ Mi Account.
- Open Settings and go to Accounts and Sync.
- Press Mi Account. โ Create an account.
- Select the method of registration: by phone number or email.
- Fill out the form, confirm the data through SMS/mail.
- Come up with it. PIN-Code for blocking (optional, but recommended).
On the new models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+), after registration, the system will offer to enable Automatic Synchronization.
What if you donโt get an SMS with a code?
3. Registration through the Mi Account app
For users who already have a Xiaomi device but do not have an account, the official Mi Account app (available on Google Play and AppGallery) is suitable, and its advantage is a user-friendly interface and the ability to manage multiple accounts.
Download the app, open it, follow the instructions, and you can attach additional emails or phone numbers to restore access, and it also shows you a list of devices that are linked to your account, which is useful for security control.
| Method of registration | Advantages | Deficiencies | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through the site | No need for a Xiaomi smartphone, you can create an account in advance | CAPTCHA may be required, restrictions by region | Buyers of used devices, users without Xiaomi equipment |
| On a smartphone. | Quickly, automatically tether the device | It requires the device itself, errors are possible in case of poor Internet | New owners of Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO |
| Through the app | Convenient interface, management of multiple accounts | We need to download some extra software. | Users with multiple Xiaomi devices |
Common Registration Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and let's look at the most common mistakes and ways to solve them.
1. "This phone number is already in use" error
If you see this message, it means:
- ๐ฑ The number was previously linked to another Mi Account (you may have forgotten it).
- ๐ Someone else has registered an account for your number (for example, when buying a used phone).
Decision:
- Try to restore access to your old account through a recovery form.
- If your account is not yours, contact Xiaomi with evidence (e.g. a check to buy the phone to which the number is linked).
- Use a different number or email to register a new account.
2. "Failed to send SMS" or "Code incorrect"
Problems with SMS confirmation are usually related to:
- ๐ก Bad signal network (try switching to the network) 4G/LTE).
- ๐ซ Blocking short numbers by the operator (configure in message settings).
- ๐ Regional restrictions (e.g. Russian numbers may not work when selecting China).
๐ก
If the SMS doesn't come, try asking for the code on the email, and check if Do Not Disturb mode or energy saving is on, they can block notifications.
โ ๏ธ Note: Do not use virtual numbers (e.g. SMS-activate) to register Mi Accounts. Xiaomi blocks such accounts within 24-48 hours of creation.
3. Error "Device blocked by previous account"
This problem occurs when you buy a used smartphone if the previous owner didn't log out of the Mi Account before resetting, and you can solve it in two ways:
- Contact with previous owner: Ask them to log out of your account on your device or delete it via Mi Cloud.
- Support: If you cannot contact the seller, collect proof of purchase (check, contract, photo box with IMEI) and send the request to Xiaomi via the feedback form.
Without unlocking, you wonโt be able to enjoy many of the phoneโs features, including installing updates and accessing Google Play (on some models).
๐ก
Before buying a used Xiaomi smartphone, be sure to check if it is withdrawn from the previous ownerโs Mi Account. ask the seller to show the Settings โ About Phone โ Mi Account Status (should be written โNot tiedโ).
How to link your account to your device and set up sync
To create a Mi Account is half the battle, you need to tie it to the device properly and adjust the sync. Let's take a look at the Xiaomi 13T (MIUI 14), but the steps are relevant for other models as well.
- Open Settings โ Accounts and Sync โ Mi Account.
- Enter the logs and password from the created account.
- Confirm the entry via SMS or email.
- Enable synchronization options: ๐ Contacts ๐ Calendar ๐ธ Gallery (optional, takes up a lot of space in the cloud) ๐ Notes
Find the device.
Once anchored, check that the device is showing up in your i.mi.com account. If it's not on the list, update the page or reboot your phone.
๐ก
To save space in the cloud, in sync settings, disable backup of Gallery and Call Records. This data takes up the most space, and photos can be saved in Google Photos.
Two-factor authentication (2FA)
To protect your account from hacking, it is recommended to enable two-factor authentication.
- Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in.
- Go to Security. โ Two-factor authentication.
- Attach an additional email or phone number.
- Download a code generation app (like Google Authenticator) and link it.
Now, every time you log in from a new device, you'll need to enter not only a password, but also a one-time code from the app, which will make it much harder for attackers to do that.
How to delete or change your account on your Xiaomi device
If you are selling a phone or want to change your account, it is important to log out of Mi Account correctly, otherwise the new device may be blocked.
- Open Settings โ Accounts and Sync โ Mi Account.
- Click on the profile icon in the upper right corner โ Exit.
- Confirm the action with a password.
- Return to Settings โ Additional โ Reset settings and select Delete all data.
โ ๏ธ Note: If you simply reset without logging out, the phone will remain tied to your Mi Account!
To link another account:
- After reset, turn on the phone and go through the initial setup.
- At the stage of logging in, select Create a new account or Log in to an existing one.
- Enter the new Mi Account.